Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation

MONDAY, 28 DECEMBER 2020, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) plans to engage with 13,000 Malaysian companies in 2021 through its Exporters Development (ED) and Export Promotion (EP) programmes, curated to build the global resilience of local companies, particularly in the post-COVID-19 recovery period.

MATRADE has outlined 334 programmes in 2021, 277 of which are ED and 57 are EP. The programmes are focused on the creation of more export champions in high-value sectors, the utilisation of digital platforms, inclusiveness, tapping on current market trends and forging strategic collaborations. The ED programmes, in particular, focus on equipping companies with the skills to develop a strategic advantage and promotes the values of sustainability as stipulated in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to MATRADE’s new Chief Executive Officer, Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, MATRADE will focus on helping Malaysian companies to penetrate international markets during these challenging times. In addition to providing updated market insights, MATRADE will virtually link foreign buyers with Malaysian companies through its 46 overseas offices worldwide.

Given the challenging state of the global economy, MATRADE, as the National Trade Promotion Agency, will ensure the competitive edge of Malaysian companies by empowering them with the right knowledge and market intelligence.

“The Year 2021 will see MATRADE doubling its efforts in engaging with digital tools to provide more business opportunities for Malaysian companies, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs). This will be carried out through strategic engagements with the Public and Private sector in Malaysia and abroad to identify new export opportunities in both conventional and emerging sectors,” Mustafa said.

MATRADE is set to continue adding value to its signature ED programmes namely eTRADE 2.0; Bumiputera, Women and Youth Exporters Development Programme (BWYEDP); Mid-Tier Companies Development Programme (MTCDP) and X-SEED. Complementing the ED programmes are various seminar and training programmes, as well as MATRADE’s signature conferences – namely National Export Day (NED). The ED programmes will take place all over Malaysia.

“Our engagements with companies will also be focusing on driving Malaysian SMEs and MTCs to be more prepared in areas such as Sustainability, Digital Transformation, Internet of Things (IoT), Industrial Revolution 4.0 and Artificial Intelligence (AI),” Mustafa added. “All of these play significant roles in ensuring the companies’ success in international businesses,”

For Export Promotion (EP), a total of 57 programmes will be held throughout the year to enhance Malaysian companies’ export performance during the COVID-19 recovery period. The programmes will include participation in international trade fairs and trade missions (Export Acceleration Mission and Trade & Investment Mission). It also includes the International Sourcing Programme (INSP), Malaysia’s renowned business matching programme as well as eBizMatch, a virtual format of B2B pre-arranged meetings, which was introduced this year. Physical participation in the programmes will be dependent upon the latest developments on health and safety regulations throughout the year.

2021 EP programmes will focus on Malaysia’s key export sectors such as Food & Beverages, Services, Building Materials, Lifestyle, Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Machinery & Equipment, Medical & Pharmaceutical, among others. Just over half (32 programmes) from EP will be held in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) economies namely Australia, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam as well as Malaysia.

In addition to the roster of ED and EP programmes, MATRADE will be organising the 17th edition of Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) from 9 - 12 September 2021. The iconic trade event promotes Malaysia as the top sourcing platforms for Halal products and services worldwide. To ensure the global success of Malaysian companies, MATRADE will continue working closely with other relevant ministries, agencies, trade associations, chambers of commerce and private sectors.

Malaysian companies looking to participate in the programmes may contact MATRADE via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., MATRADE’s social media channels or visit www.matrade.gov.my for more details.